Huge public support for government restrictions on economic migration

November 30, 2010

Widespread concern about the idea that White British might find themselves in a minority in the UK by around 2066

A resounding vote of confidence in the government’s measures announced last week to reduce the number of economic migrants allowed to come to the UK - that was the message of an opinion poll conducted by YouGov for Migrationwatch on 25-26 November.

81% supported this policy (55% strongly) while only 13% opposed (4% strongly). 6% did not know. Interestingly, 79% of Lib Dem's supported the policy, compared to 95% of Conservatives and 69% of Labour voters. Support was very strong in London (87%) and in the rest of the South (84%) but less strong in Scotland (71%).

As for the government’s broader policy aim of getting net immigration down to tens of thousands by the end of this Parliament, most respondents wanted to see an even lower inflow. 70% thought that immigration of 50,000 or less would be best for Britain while 11% favoured 100,000 or more; 21% of Lib Dem's took this view but only 8% Conservatives and 16% Labour voters agreed with them. 19% did not know.

The poll also revealed widespread unhappiness about the result of a recent study which found that, if immigration continues at roughly its present levels, then by around 2066 there will be fewer White British people in the UK than those from other ethnic groups. 73% were unhappy (56% very unhappy) while only2% were happy and 21% were neither or unhappy.

Commenting Sir Andrew Green Chairman Migrationwatch UK said, "These results are a strong vote of confidence in the government’s recent measures to control economic migration. But they are also warning that the public, who would like to see even lower levels of immigration, are very unhappy about the long-term consequences of immigration for the make-up of our society.

Notes

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,711 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 25th - 26th November 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). YouGov is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by their rules.